In a column for the Daily Telegraph, Howe wrote: "I watched him from a distance during his Arsenal days, when I would take youngsters from our academy to witness his extraordinary shooting powers.

"I know a lot of people say he's moody, and there are those who say his main stimulant is money. However, should he start banging in the goals for Chelsea, I am sure he would be worth every penny in the short term, at least. But if not, then forget it.

"Anelka's arrival would be bad news for Andrei Shevchenko, but it would also represent a major challenge for manager Avram Grant when Drogba is up and running again. I couldn't imagine Drogba and Anelka playing together, because they are too similar. They are excellent footballers, but they are at their best as lone soldiers.

"Nevertheless, I can see why Grant would go for him, with Chelsea's resources set to be stretched to the limit by injuries and the forthcoming African Cup of Nations."